Edward B. Jelks

Born on September 10, 1922, Edward B. Jelks was an American archaeologist trained as a prehistorian who became especially well known for his work in historical archaeology. Over the course of his career, he was associated with major archaeological research and with the growth of anthropology as an academic discipline.

Jelks is noted for leadership roles in professional organizations, including the Society for Historical Archaeology and the Society of Professional Archaeologists. That combination of fieldwork, scholarship, and service helped make him an important figure in twentieth-century American archaeology.

He also taught at Illinois State University, where he was remembered as a faculty member whose influence continued well beyond the classroom. A later university scholarship created in his memory reflected the respect he earned from colleagues, students, and the broader academic community.